When comedian, actor and TV host Howie Mandel was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, he quickly learned that his irregular heartbeat was no laughing matter. In this exclusive Lifescript interview, find out how Mandel controls his condition and why he wants other people to know the signs and risk factors for AFib...

Howie Mandel is used to getting laughs. Whether he’s performing stand-up comedy, judging on “America’s Got Talent” or pulling pranks on his hidden-camera show, “Deal With It,” the 61-year-old entertainer likes to infuse humor into any situation – including his health.

But it was no joke in 2009, when the married father of three learned he had atrial fibrillation, an irregular and often rapid heartbeat that can lead to stroke. It occurs when the heart’s two upper chambers (the atria) are out of coordination with the two lower chambers (the ventricles), resulting in poor blood flow to the body.

When comedian, actor and TV host Howie Mandel was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, he quickly learned that his irregular heartbeat was no laughing matter. In this exclusive Lifescript interview, find out how Mandel controls his condition and why he wants other people to know the signs and risk factors for AFib...

“When the doctor put a stethoscope on my chest, he said, ‘Uh-oh,’ and I knew something was wrong,” Mandel says.

He was sent immediately to a cardiologist, who gave him an electrocardiogram (a test that records the heart’s electrical activity) to confirm the diagnosis.

More than 2.6 million people in the U.S. have atrial fibrillation, but that number is rising because of an aging population and more people are obese or have high blood pressure, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It estimates that 12 million Americans could have AFib by 2050.

People with AFib are 5 times more likely to have a stroke, because blood pooling in the heart increases the risk of clots, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). AFib also doubles women’s risk of a heart attack, a 2013 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found.

When comedian, actor and TV host Howie Mandel was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, he quickly learned that his irregular heartbeat was no laughing matter. In this exclusive Lifescript interview, find out how Mandel controls his condition and why he wants other people to know the signs and risk factors for AFib...

Symptoms may include heart palpitations, shortness of breath, weakness and fatigue. Sometimes, though, there are no obvious signs, according to the CDC.

In some people, AFib is caused by a heart valve problem; in others, it may be genetic or related to a variety of health issues, including high blood pressure, infection, stress or overuse of stimulants. But, in many cases – including Mandel’s – the cause is unknown.

In this exclusive Lifescript interview, Mandel discusses his atrial fibrillation diagnosis and explains why he’s working to educate others about the condition.

How did you react to learning you had atrial fibrillation?
The diagnosis surprised me. At the time, I felt fine. I didn’t know what AFib was or how common it is.

AFib doesn’t discriminate – men and women can be diagnosed with it. And while your risk of developing it increases with age, it can and does occur in people of all ages.

When comedian, actor and TV host Howie Mandel was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, he quickly learned that his irregular heartbeat was no laughing matter. In this exclusive Lifescript interview, find out how Mandel controls his condition and why he wants other people to know the signs and risk factors for AFib...

Did you have any symptoms before your diagnosis?
There were days when I felt very tired. But I attributed that to my busy schedule, since I tape two TV shows and travel the country performing [stand-up comedy].

Some people with AFib experience no symptoms, and many signs also can indicate other health conditions. That’s why I encourage all people over age 40 to discuss their risk for AFib and stroke with their doctor.

How were you treated for the condition?
The day after my diagnosis, my doctor scheduled me to undergo electrical cardioversion. This is a procedure where you’re sedated and given low-energy shocks to restore a fast or irregular heartbeat to a normal rhythm.

I later underwent ablation. It’s a procedure in which doctors insert small catheters into the heart and apply a radio frequency current to [remove] areas that may trigger or sustain AFib. [Since then], my AFib episodes have been infrequent.

When comedian, actor and TV host Howie Mandel was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, he quickly learned that his irregular heartbeat was no laughing matter. In this exclusive Lifescript interview, find out how Mandel controls his condition and why he wants other people to know the signs and risk factors for AFib...

Some people with AFib are given medication that will prevent and treat blood clots that can lead to a stroke. The treatment varies by patient.

By working with doctors and taking medication, AFib patients can lead very long and healthy lives.

Did you make any lifestyle changes since learning you had the condition?
Alcohol is one of the triggers for AFib, so [since being diagnosed] I limit my intake.

Fatigue is another trigger, so I also make it a priority to get a good night’s sleep.

How is your health now?
I’ve always tried to live a healthy life. I run 7 miles each day and try to eat [well]. Today, I’m in the best shape that I’ve ever been.

What did you tell your wife and children about atrial fibrillation?
I explained what the condition is, and that it’s very treatable.

When comedian, actor and TV host Howie Mandel was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, he quickly learned that his irregular heartbeat was no laughing matter. In this exclusive Lifescript interview, find out how Mandel controls his condition and why he wants other people to know the signs and risk factors for AFib...

What have you learned about atrial fibrillation that you wish you had known before you were diagnosed?
In many ways, it’s a silent condition. I had always made regular visits to my doctor, but it wasn’t detected until the insurance physical – I happened to be having an AFib episode during the exam.

Looking back, I had felt tired and experienced some dizziness episodes. But those can be symptoms of many different conditions, so I wasn’t really worried. I never thought that I might have a heart rhythm problem.
What’s your advice to the public about this condition?
There’s an old saying that ignorance is bliss, but this doesn’t apply to health issues.

I encourage people to become familiar with [AFib] symptoms. And if they have any signs or risk factors – such as high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism [overactive thyroid], lung disease or obesity – they should talk to their doctor.

When comedian, actor and TV host Howie Mandel was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, he quickly learned that his irregular heartbeat was no laughing matter. In this exclusive Lifescript interview, find out how Mandel controls his condition and why he wants other people to know the signs and risk factors for AFib...

You’ve been candid about having both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Does either condition affect how you manage atrial fibrillation?
No, they’re different, unrelated conditions. For my OCD and ADHD, I take medication and see a therapist.

Do you see similarities between the conditions?Mental health [problems] are like AFib in the sense that they’re “invisible” illnesses.

It concerns me that there are no routine mental health resources in place for young people, as there are for physical health.

As a child, I didn't even know that OCD and ADHD existed, and I felt isolated. I’d like to see the embarrassment and stigma surrounding mental health issues end.

When comedian, actor and TV host Howie Mandel was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, he quickly learned that his irregular heartbeat was no laughing matter. In this exclusive Lifescript interview, find out how Mandel controls his condition and why he wants other people to know the signs and risk factors for AFib...

Tell us about your TBS show, “Deal With It,”.
The show uses an unwritten, hidden-camera format, so viewers at home never know what’s going to happen next.

Howie Mandel has partnered with the pharmaceutical companies Bristol-Myers Squibb and Pfizer Inc. to create an online quiz to help people identify risk factors for atrial fibrillation. For every quiz completed, $1 will be donated to the National Stroke Association.

When comedian, actor and TV host Howie Mandel was diagnosed with atrial fibrillation, he quickly learned that his irregular heartbeat was no laughing matter. In this exclusive Lifescript interview, find out how Mandel controls his condition and why he wants other people to know the signs and risk factors for AFib...

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